"Texas, often referred to as the Lone Star State, is a thriving hub for economic growth and innovation, making it an attractive destination for commercial real estate investment." - Chris Evans

Land Surveys for Outdoor Recreational Projects in Texas

From Parks to Trails, It All Starts with a Survey

As more Texans seek out green spaces, hiking trails, and outdoor activities, real estate developers, municipalities, and landowners are converting raw land into recreational destinations. Whether it's a public park in Montgomery County or a private RV retreat in Brazoria, the first step is always the same: a professional land survey.

At South Texas Surveying, we help clients plan sustainable, code-compliant, and well-documented outdoor projects by delivering the data needed to design, permit, and build with confidence.

Why Land Surveys Are Essential for Recreational Development

Unlike residential or commercial sites, outdoor recreation projects are often:

• 🌳 Spread over large, uneven tracts

• 🏞️ Located near water, floodplains, or environmentally protected zones

• 🛣️ Dependent on trail routes, access roads, or shared easements

• 🌲 Designed around natural features like forests, slopes, or streams

📎 Without a survey, you risk violating setback requirements, building in restricted areas, or misusing land that’s legally limited.

Survey Services That Support Outdoor Project Planning

Survey TypeHow It Applies to Outdoor Recreation ProjectsTopographic SurveyMaps terrain, elevation, and slope—critical for trails, campsites, drainageBoundary SurveyDefines property limits, access points, and adjacent landownersFloodplain SurveyIdentifies FEMA zones and water features for park and camp safetyImprovement SurveyShows current trails, pavilions, utility posts, or buildingsConstruction StakingGuides trail layout, RV pad placement, and infrastructure for accurate buildout

Types of Outdoor Projects That Require Surveys

• 🏕️ RV parks and campgrounds

• 🚶‍♀️ Hiking and biking trails

• 🛶 Canoe/kayak launches and marinas

• 🏞️ City, county, or HOA parks

• 🐎 Equestrian trails and arenas

• 🎯 Outdoor adventure parks and zipline courses

Where Outdoor Developments Are Growing in Greater Houston

• Montgomery & Liberty Counties – Ideal for nature trails, private preserves, and RV parks near Lake Livingston or the Sam Houston National Forest

• Waller County & Brookshire – Gaining interest for rural retreats and family-focused nature camps

• Fort Bend & Brazoria Counties – Expanding subdivisions often integrate HOA parks and open space preserves

• Galveston County – Popular for shoreline access trails and eco-tourism development

Why Surveys Help Developers and Landowners Succeed

✅ Ensure ADA compliance, trail grading, and proper drainage

✅ Avoid construction in wetlands, floodplains, or easements

✅ Secure permits faster with topo and floodplain data included

✅ Reduce liability by mapping slopes, water features, and hazards

✅ Improve the overall experience by designing around the land’s natural flow

Avoiding Mistakes with Outdoor Projects

• ❌ Trails placed too close to property lines—leading to neighbor disputes

• ❌ Campsites installed in flood-prone zones

• ❌ Playgrounds or shelters built in utility easements

• ❌ Road access that doesn’t meet county requirements

• ❌ Projects delayed due to missing elevation or environmental clearance

📎 A survey prevents these risks while giving your project the data it needs to move forward smoothly.

Why Outdoor Planners Trust South Texas Surveying

✔️ Over 40 years of experience with recreational and rural development
✔️ Survey services customized for open-space, natural land, and flood-prone areas
✔️ Fast and accurate data collection for landowners, cities, and engineers
✔️ Service across Harris, Montgomery, Fort Bend, Waller, Brazoria, Galveston, and Liberty counties

📞 Planning a park, trail, or campground? South Texas Surveying is ready to help you map it out.

Conclusion: Make the Most of Your Land—Safely and Legally

Outdoor spaces are more than amenities—they’re investments in health, community, and land value. A professional survey ensures your project honors the land, meets regulations, and supports long-term use.

📍 Let South Texas Surveying help you turn raw land into remarkable recreation.